Maybe, We Really don't Understand Gender Equality...

A few days back, the Nigerian internet scene was literally broken by Olori Wuraola, brand new the wife of the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Ogunwusi over comments made by her, regarding the struggle for 'gender equality '.
For those who are not in the know, let me as an aside, inform you that the Ooni of Ife is undoubtedly, the most recent First Class traditional ruler in Nigeria, and I dare say, the most modern King in Nigeria, rivalled only by the Emir of Kano.
Having given that rather unsolicited lecture, let me redirect your mind to the essence of this discourse...
A few days back, while giving a speech at the Emerging Women's Forum in far away, United States of America, the queen of Ile Ife made what I'd rather refer to as a bold statement when she fearlessly affirmed before an American audience, famed for it's walk and agitation for equality of women to men, that WOMEN can NEVER be equal to men.
This was by all standards, a bold statement and epitomized sincerity and frankness at the highest level.
Well, since she made this statement, there is hardly any news site in Nigeria that is not talking about it, of course, in their own words.
To some, it reflected and reaffirmed the earlier held notion that women are the greatest threats to gender equality;
Others applauded her and her honesty, sincerity and realistic nature.
Well, the both parties have a right to hold on and affirm their opinions.
For me, I appreciate the queen for her Supreme beauty, Her intelligence and above all, Her boldness but I beg to differ with her.
Dear Olori Wuraola, do you know that there was a time when women could not be allowed to make public appearances or speeches?
Do you know that there was a time when Women did not have the freedom to flaunt their beauties because they were exclusively meant for their husbands' adoration?
Do you know that there was a time when the Education of the girl child was jettisoned for that of her brother(s)?
Do you know that at some point, it was a generally held notion that a Woman's Education ended in the Kitchen?
Do you know that there was a time when some things you consider common like voting in elections and even driving were luxuries to women?
The question you should ask yourself, Ma'am is, "WHAT LED TO THESE CHANGES AND NEAR EMANCIPATION OF WOMEN?".
The answer if you don't already know is simple; People (Men and Women) realized that it made no sense for a person to be subjected to varying degrees of deprivation and discrimination because of the disparity in her reproductive and sexual organs.
They realized that it was wrong for you to be denied a right to choose who would be your leader because by virtue of your biological composition and make up, you couldn't urinate inside a bottle with minimum fuss.
They didn't just realize that it was wrong for you to be seen as less human because of your gender; they also realized that realization of injustice and nothing more would be of no use; they chose to fight this apparent injustice, and guess what, they are still fighting it!
They are the ones championing the course for the equal treatment of both sexes.
They are only saying that you should be judged on the basis of your competence and abilities, and not on the grounds of your gender.
They are saying that your gender should not deprive you from what you deserve.
So, Ma'am, like someone said, the reason why your husband did not leave you behind in Ile Ife to be cooking Jollof Rice, but allowed you follow him to God's Own Country is because some people fought to ensure that you don't end up just making babies and delicacies; they realized that you could do a lot better than making babies and jollof rice; that you could actually change the world in a better way.
On a Final note, Ma'am, you seem to have a jaundiced view of gender equality!
Gender equality does not mean that "what a man can do, a woman can do better "
It does not mean that women should be given more opportunities than men.
It doesn't mean that women should be more favoured than men.
Gender Equality means that nobody denies you recruitment in the Army because you are a Woman.
Gender Equality means that nobody raises eyebrows when you propose to your man.
Gender Equality means that you are not seen as a mere tool for the sexual gratification of one man.
Gender Equality means that you are not treated differently because of your gender...
And I honestly think that gender equality as I've explained above is the height of nobility , which every sane society should strive to attain.
It's not something to be religious or defensive about; it is a reality we must all embrace.
Clinton Klint Elochukwu.